Out-of-sorts Cronulla recruit Jack Bird has also been left out as he nurses a sternum injury, while James Roberts has pulled up with achilles soreness on Thursday but is expected to play.

It led to Bennett naming an ultra-youthful squad including 18-year-old David Fifita, who becomes the first player born in the 21st century to be included on a NRL team's extended bench.

But Bennett said Wellington-raised Staggs, who celebrated the final try at Thursday's training session with a backflip - had earned the call-up after starring for Queensland Cup side Redcliffe.

"He can play a number of positions for us and we need that," Bennett conceded.

"With three forwards there, we put four there - it's not going to work.

"He an play back-row, halfback, centre, wing; he's a pretty handy player and his general attitude around the club, his form, he trains as good as anyone in the club and, for a young bloke, he's outstanding actually."

Bennett, 68, chuckled at the significance of Fifita's squad inclusion.